Page 119 of The War God’s Favorite

“Shouldn’t we simply kill all the infected?” hissed Phetra, annoyed that Cassandra was even asked after she had given her own solution.

“Nothing in the reports proves this disease is transmitted by the sick,” calmly replied Cassandra. “It could be the food, the water, even the animals. Sending a doctor with medical knowledge, enough drugs to heal those in need, and guarding the area closely, may be enough to prevent the disease from spreading, especially in such a remote place.”

The Emperor nodded, looking satisfied.

“As expected of the Imperial Physician! Let’s do this! Did you record all that she said?”

While he was checking in with his secretary, Cassandra turned to Kairen, who gently kissed her temple. Those few days, she had been spending a lot of time with some of the other Imperial Physicians present in the Palace, but for now, they had been learning more from her than she had learned from them. Some of Cassandra’s knowledge of herbal medicine was revolutionary to them, and despite their annoyance at a female being acknowledged as a doctor at the beginning, the Imperial Physicians had started opening up to her, one by one, teaching her their ways and discussing their knowledge.

Hence, the Emperor knew she was doing well in that aspect and considered Cassandra’s opinion.

“Also, make sure to check around, see if it hasn’t spread. Now, to the military-”

Before the Emperor ended his sentence, the First Prince suddenly started coughing loudly, unable to stop. His concubines tried to help him, but he needed a few more minutes to catch his breath.

This wasn’t the first time. Cassandra had seen Prince Sephir with this kind of issue several times before. Though she had considered a poison, from his pale look and thin figure, she guessed the First Prince had never been healthy to begin with. Probably weak lungs or some respiratory disease. Unfortunately, she couldn’t approach another Prince and had to leave it to the Imperial Physician appointed for him. However, as the days went on, she couldn’t help but fear for the eldest brother. This man wouldn’t live long.

Once Sephir caught his breath and reassured everyone, the Emperor threw the remaining topics away, along with his secretary, and called for more wine. Cassandra, however, was concerned. How would the death of one of the brothers change things?

They only had two days left until the New Year’s first celebrations. Once the week-long festivities were over, her Prince had promised to bring her back to the Onyx Castle, at least for the later stages of her pregnancy. Cassandra didn’t want to stay in the Imperial Palace longer than necessary. She loathed this place.

“Are you tired?” he whispered in her ear.

“I’m fine…”

“Eat more.”

She nodded and took some of the grapefruit he was handing her. She had been craving those lately and emptied almost all the plates of grapefruit at each banquet by herself. Was it because of her baby? Cassandra found herself with some new crazy craving each day. Tonight, it was white fish.The cooks had worked hard to make some more ready for her, and she was enjoying it slowly.

Cassandra wasn’t the only pregnant concubine, as two of the Fifth Prince’s women and one of the Second Prince’s concubines were showing off their round bellies, but she was the only one to be shown so much care. She didn’t know if Kairen or the Emperor had given special orders, but the servants seemed particularly careful while serving her and, more surprising, her food was tested before she ate anything.

“Father, how grand will the new year celebrations be this year?” asked one of the Princesses.

“The usual, the usual, Daughter of mine. We invited some neighboring countries, but not too many, and we will reopen the Arena!”

While exclamations rose all around the room, Cassandra got a chill. The Arena.

Memories of a bloody slaughter came back to her mind. Despite her meeting with the Prince, she could never forget that horrid scene, the dragons going after the humans and playing with their corpses. If it wasn’t for Krai, she probably wouldn’t have survived it either.

Feeling her shiver a bit, Kairen caressed her back. Cassandra usually warmed up from his touch, but this time, her expression was sad and his concubine was obviously lost in some dark thoughts. He frowned.

“Cassandra?”

She shook her head, unwilling to speak.

“Father, can we get fireworks?” asked one of the young Princesses.

“Tigers! I want to see wildcats!”

“And more chariot races! And dancers!”

As the Imperial Princesses started making more and more demands, Shareen, who had been silent on the seat next to Kairen, clicked her tongue.

“Are you going to pay for all this, Sisters? Did you suddenly start working and earning enough to cover your childish, petty whims?”

Her voice had the effect of a whip on them. Cassandra had never noticed, but Shareen was one of the oldest princesses around, and no one really dared to mess with her. Was it because of her being the War God’s sister? Or her mother?

However, none of the Princesses dared to talk back to her, all looking down like children caught misbehaving. The Emperor laughed.

---